Cuba – The ‘storm of the century’ Melissa makes landfall on Cuba with 185 kmph as Category 3 storm today, according to the US National Hurricane Center. Melissa made it’s first landfall near New Hope in southwestern Jamaica in the afternoon of 28th October as Category 5 hurricane with 297 kmph. The storm lashed over Jamaica and the Caribbean with catastrophic winds, causing widespread damages. Officials said 7 people have died so far in the Caribbean — three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic. This storm is now travelling in Cuba as “extremely dangerous” storm.

The severity of damages is likely to increase as Melissa is moving with only 19 kmph. Damaging winds and heavy rain have hit eastern Cuba, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center. More than 73,500 have been evacuated before Melissa’s landfall on Cuba. According to sources, Eastern Cuba can encounter 25 inches of rain in the mountains. This can induce devastating flash floods and mudslides. Already, flood and heavy storms ravaged Jamaica. Jamaican PM Andrew Holness declared the country as “disaster area” and warned of “devastating impacts”.

Sources claimed that Melissa will move towards and land on Bahamas today. It will move towards Bermuda on Thursday. During its journey, the speed will reduce with fluctuation but still retain its strength as Category 1. Massive devastations in Jamaica and Montego Bay have raised tensions among many. It’s after the daybreak, the total extent of damages will come to the surface.